Annex C
6.
CONFIDENTIAL
Using the present ratio of four successful evaders for each illegal immigrant arrested, a total of 33,000 illegal immigrants probably entered Hong Kong from China in 1978. Up to 14 March this year the figure is estimated at 26,000. Projecting an estimate from the rate of arrests in March up to the 14th (132 per day), the total figure for the year would be 193,000.
Previous Peak of Legal Immigration
7.
in 1973.
Legal immigration last reached a high point
In September of that year there was a daily average of 240 new arrivals. The NCNA was told that, with effect from 15 November 1973, the Hong Kong Government would require all Chinese entering at Lowu to have either a visa or an entry permit.
8.
Shortly before 15 November the numbers began to drop sharply. Finally the Chinese Ambassador in London was given an Aide Memoire saying that, while the Hong Kong Government reserved a right to reinstitute controls, they would be prepared not to do so for the time being if the Chinese Government were to take measures themselves to
cut back the numbers. In reply to Chinese claims that there was a traditional and customary right of free entry into Hong Kong, the Aide Memoire pointed out that "for obvious practical administrative reasons" it had been "traditional and customary for immigration into Hong Kong to be controlled" and that this had been done up to 1967 (FCO telno 1170 of 15 November, Annex C). The daily average number of arrivals dropped from 229 per day in November 1973 to 86 per day in December 1973.
9.
In the 1974 negotiations on the repatriation of illegal immigrants to China, although the issues of legal and illegal immigration were not specifically linked, the impression was formed by those concerned that, if illegals were returned to China, the Chinese would respond
CONFIDENTIAL
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2.